Not Ready to Choose a Major?

University Studies ProgramA great place to start!

College ofAgriculture

and Natural

Resources

Lerner College of

Business andEconomics

College ofArts and

Sciences

College ofEducation

and Human

Development

College ofEngineering

College ofHealth

Sciences

College ofEarth, Ocean,

and Environment

What Does Undeclared Mean?

Students who enter college without applying to a specific major are considered undeclared students.

Titles for these students vary from university touniversity and include designations such as Exploratory Students, Undeclared Students, Open Students, Undecided Students, Students-in-Transition. UD refers to students without declared majors as University Studies Students.

“Undeclared” Myths Students who are undeclared are poor decision-

makers and lack direction.

Undeclared students enter college with lower scores and are less academically successful.

Many majors will not accept undeclared students.

Undeclared students cannot finish their degrees in four years because they take so many random courses.

“Undeclared” RealitiesStudents who are undeclared are poor decision-makers and lack direction.

UST students have a variety of interests and utilize the freshman year to explore their academic options.

University Studies is a top choice among incoming University of Delaware freshmen.

“Undeclared” RealitiesUndeclared students enter with lower scores and are less academically prepared.

UST students are academically talented and have a wide variety of skills and interests.

Many UST students enter with AP, IB, or other transfer credits that may be applied to their curriculum requirements.

UST students are also well represented in the UD Honors Program.

“Undeclared” RealitiesMany majors will not accept undeclared students.

UST students have been accepted into every major at the University of Delaware, including those majors deemed “competitive”.

Approximately 75% of majors at UD are open to all students and can be declared at any time.

“Undeclared” Realities Undeclared students cannot finish their degrees in four years because they take so many random courses.

The UD curriculum provides the flexibility to explore major options while meeting general requirements.

Professional advisors are available to help students choose appropriate classes that will count in a variety of ways so graduation can be achieved within four years.

How Many Students Enter College Undeclared?

In Fall 2017, 20% of incoming freshmen entered the University of Delaware as (undeclared) University Studies Program students.

Nationally, 25% of students enter universities without a declared major.

Another 50-75% of students will change their major at least once throughout their university careers.

Among all interest areas undeclared programs have the highest percentage of incoming students nationwide.

Can you guess my college major?

Joe Flacco, 2008 Quarterback, Baltimore Ravens University of Delaware

Exercise Physiology

Accounting/Management

Political Science

Geology

Can you guess my College Major?

Lauren Stein, 1997EVP and Head of Drama Development, Sony PicturesUniversity of Delaware

Criminal Justice

English

Theater

Communication

Can you guess my College Major?

Joe Biden, 196547th Vice President of the United StatesUniversity of Delaware

International Relations

Psychology

History/Political Science

Management

What is the University Studies Program?

The mission of the University Studies Program is to enhance and support the educational experiences of matriculated students who do not have a declared major and who have a wide variety of interests entering the University of Delaware.

The University Studies Program (UST) ensures that students are given the opportunity to explore the many majors available to them before choosing their academic path.

Types of University Studies Students

Exploring

Enhancing

Examining

Majors There are over 150 majors available at the University of

Delaware within the 7 colleges.

UD students can choose the type of academic plan that suits them:

o Single majoro Major with a minor(s)o Double majoro Interdepartmental majoro Double degree

UST students are expected to declare a major by the time they reach 60 credits.

Interest Areas Arts & Humanities Business Education Environmental Studies Life & Health Sciences Physical & Applied Sciences Social Sciences Undeclared

UST Freshman Sample SchedulesBusiness Social Sciences

HumanitiesLife/Physical

SciencesMATH 221 (according to curriculum/placement)

MATH 114 or higher (according to curriculum/placement)

MATH 221 or MATH 241 (according to curriculum/placement)

ENGL 110 ENGL 110 ENGL 110

University Breadth (ex. ECON 101)

University Breadth (ex. SOCI 201)

University Breadth (ex. SOCI 201)

Science Course Science Course orForeign Language

Science Course

First Year Seminar First Year Seminar First Year Seminar

SkilMod Course(ex. UNIV 113)

SkilMod Course(ex. UNIV 113)

SkilMod Course(ex. UNIV 113)

Total Credits: 15 Total Credits: 15 Total Credits: 16

University Studies Program Benefits

Individualized Academic Advisement

Academic Planning

Peer Liaisons

Workshops/Course

Collaborative Programming

Individual Academic Advising

Every UST student is assigned a professional academic advisor who meets with the student as often as they elect (and at least once per semester).

Advising appointments focus on student development, course selection, and major exploration.

Academic Planning Students are invited to meet with

their advisor to establish an individual academic plan for their college careers.

Topics include:o Personal reflection and assessmento Short-term and long-term goal setting o Ways to enhance the college experience through discovery

learning opportunities, such as Study Abroad, Undergraduate Research, Service Learning, or Internships.

Peer Liaisons The UST Peer Liaisons is a structured

network of current and former UST students with identified majors. They volunteer to share their paths to finding a major and transitioning to college.

Peer Liaisons work closely with UST Advisors to host social and academic programming tailored to helping students explore majors and engage in experiential learning.

Workshops/Course

The UST Spring Seminar, “Exploring Your Academic Path” combines self-exploration, academic resources, engaging discussions and activities to provide students with a greater understanding of the components that may lead to their success academically and professionally.

Academic Workshops offered by our professional advisors,give students practical information to help themunderstand academic policies,the UD curriculum, and majorexploration.

Collaborative Programming

Throughout the academic year, several programs are offered in conjunction with other departments on campus. Opportunities are designed to help students enhance their college experience and/or gain information about which major might be right for them.

As a UST Student you may also participate in…

• Honors Program

• World Scholars Program

• Delaware Innovation Fellows

• Cybersecurity Scholars

• Community Engagement Scholars

UST Students Who Declared Majors In Each College During 2016-2017

University Studies Program StaffDr. Avron Abraham, Faculty Director

Adrian McCleary, Associate DirectorMargie Kiter Edwards, Academic AdvisorSharon Grayson, Academic AdvisorKathryn Goldman, Academic Program ManagerMoira Curtis, Academic AdvisorSylvia Lee, Academic Advisor Lysbet Murray, Academic Program Manager

Karen Seymour Administrative Assistant

For More Information

Center for Academic SuccessUniversity Studies Program148-150 S. College Ave. Newark, DE 19716Phone: 302-831-4555www.ust.udel.eduust-advise@udel.eduInstagram: ust_at_ud